Saadiyat Island Abu Dhabi

Hi, Sunil here to talk about Saadiyat Island and its place in Abu Dhabis growth plans

Abu Dhabi city itself is built on an island with bridges connecting it to the mainland. Saadiyat Island is another island, part of Abu Dhabi, which will be a critical part of the Emirates forward looking plans. More on the Island of Happiness below.

In years pre 2009, much of the focus in the UAE has been on Dubai, and rightfully so. However since 2005 or so Abu Dhabi has slowly studied Dubais successes and failures and has made strides of its own. As you read this Abu Dhabi is right up there making some noise and will continue to with its brilliant leadership vision.

The largest UAE Emirate plans to establish its position and reputation on the world map not in a way Dubai did.

Not by building the biggest and best of everything, but rather by building a community and an environment that is peaceful and desirable to everyone, locals, tourists and investors.

I am hoping it holds to its promise. Dubai certainly was not able to as it overpromised and under delivered to the world.

Saadiyat Island

This development is a critical factor in Abu Dhabis movement forward. Like Abu Dhabi, it is also an island nearby and will be connected to Abu Dhabi by bridges. The Government is currently heavily developing this island as it has earmarked $27 billion for its infrastructure. This island is scheduled to complete by 2018.

Why is this so critical? Because it is the first of several similar projects (in my opinion), with this one being the biggest (for now I guess). Abu Dhabi is experimenting with Saadiyat and after that will move on to developing the other islands nearby. The goal is to establish self sustaining and attractive communities that will house the expected increase in Abu Dhabis population in the years ahead.

Saadiyat itself will have about 150,000 residents and a community designed to attract locals and tourists with all kinds of amenities you can think of. Imagine these communities to have hotels, golf courses, beaches, shopping centers and everything else you can think of. It will even house the worlds second 7 star hotel. The first one of course is the iconic Burj Al Arab located 90 miles away in Dubai.

The idea of having several islands similar to Saadiyat all connected by bridges and railways is fascinating. Abu Dhabi will surely be taking advantage of its geography and location on the world map. This is of course just my imagination and vision. It sure is beautiful however.